NPA to candidates: Coordinate with us for ‘smooth’ campaigning

LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – At least 10 platoons of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels set up checkpoints along national highways in Northern Mindanao on Sunday, April 3, with a little over a month to go before the elections.

Allan Juanito, spokesperson of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Regional Command, said that they established checkpoints in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Agusan del Norte.

“For the conduct of smooth campaign in the territories, the candidates must coordinate with the NPA command in the area and they will be accompanied by revolutionaries in the conduct of their campaign,” Juanito said.

The NPA also said candidates should be “truthful” and focus on key issues like hunger in the face of El Niño. (READ: How vulnerable is Mindanao to El Niño?)

Juanito added that motorists passing through the checkpoints were lectured about the “ills of the government” and given leaflets.

Back in December, the communist rebels already told candidates to set aside funds if they wish to campaign in rebel-held territories.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had earlier warned candidates against succumbing to the extortion activities of the NPA. – Rappler.com